Electronic apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus installable with firmware updatable via a network includes an input unit configured to receive an operation performed by a user; and circuitry configured to display, on a display, a first screen for displaying a first function of firmware that can be installed on the electronic apparatus, and a second screen for displaying a second function of the firmware, the second function including a plurality of second functions and the second screen including a plurality of second screens prepared for each one of the plurality of second functions, enable the first function in response to an operation for the first function displayed on the first screen, and enable the second function in response to an operation for the second function displayed on the second screen. The circuitry enables the second functions selected from the plurality of second functions respectively displayed on the plurality of second screens.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a) toJapanese Patent Application No. 2019-121884, filed on Jun. 28, 2019 inthe Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus, an informationprocessing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

Conventionally, a technique for automatically updating applications andfirmware for electronic apparatuses, such as multifunction peripheral(MFP) is known.

As one technology for automatically updating the firmware, when anapplication is to be installed on an MFP from an application marketsite, which is a web site for distributing applications, the requiredfirmware can be automatically updated.

Further, in another technology for automatically updating applications,if an application that can be updated exists at an application marketsite, the application at the MFP can be automatically updated.

However, if the firmware is automatically updated, the function offirmware may be changed irrespective of the user intention, and it isdifficult to understand for users how the function has changed.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention, an electronic apparatusinstallable with firmware updatable via a network is devised. Theelectronic apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive anoperation performed by a user; and circuitry configured to display, on adisplay, a first screen for displaying a first function of firmware thatcan be installed on the electronic apparatus, and a second screen fordisplaying a second function of the firmware, the second functionincluding a plurality of second functions and the second screenincluding a plurality of second screens prepared for each one of theplurality of second functions; enable the first function in response toan operation for the first function displayed on the first screen inputvia the input unit; and enable the second function in response to anoperation for the second function displayed on the second screen inputvia the input unit. The circuitry enables one or more of the secondfunctions selected from the plurality of second functions respectivelydisplayed on the plurality of second screens.

In another aspect of the present invention, an information processingsystem is devised. The information processing system includes a server;and an electronic apparatus connectable with the server via a network,the electronic apparatus installable with firmware updatable via thenetwork. The server includes a memory configured to store one or morefirmwares to be supplied to the electronic apparatus, and circuitryconfigured to transmit information of a first screen or information of asecond screen for displaying one or more firmwares installable on theelectronic apparatus, the first screen or the second screen is to bedisplayed on a display. The electronic apparatus includes an input unitconfigured to receive an operation performed by a user, and anothercircuitry configured to display, on the display, the first screen fordisplaying a first function of firmware that can be installed on theelectronic apparatus, and the second screen for displaying a secondfunction of the firmware, the second function including a plurality ofsecond functions and the second screen including a plurality of secondscreens prepared for each one of the plurality of second functions,enable the first function in response to an operation for the firstfunction displayed on the first screen input via the input unit, andenable the second function in response to an operation for the secondfunction displayed on the second screen input via the input unit. Theanother circuitry enables one or more of the second functions selectedfrom the plurality of second functions respectively displayed on theplurality of second screens.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of processinginformation for updating firmware of an electronic apparatus via anetwork is devised. The method includes receiving an operation performedby a user, displaying, on a display, a first screen for displaying afirst function of firmware that can be installed on the electronicapparatus, and a second screen for displaying a second function of thefirmware, the second function including a plurality of second functionsand the second screen including a plurality of second screens preparedfor each one of the plurality of second functions, enabling the firstfunction in response to an operation for the first function displayed onthe first screen, and enabling the second function in response to anoperation for the second function displayed on the second screen. Theenabling enables one or more of the second functions selected from theplurality of second functions respectively displayed on the plurality ofsecond screens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the description and many of theattendant advantages and features thereof can be readily acquired andunderstood from the following detailed description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of configuration of an informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block diagram of ahardware configuration of MFP according to the embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a block diagram of a hardwareconfiguration of an application market server according to theembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an example of software configuration of the informationprocessing system according to the embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an example of function configuration of firmware to beupdated;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example of a block diagram of a functionalconfiguration of the information processing system according to theembodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example of screen transition;

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of screen transition;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate still another example of screen transition;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of home screen;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of list screen of application andfirmware, which displays target application and firmware that can beinstalled from an application site.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of installation screen used forinstalling a firmware;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of installation screen used for alreadyinstalled firmware;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of automatic update setting screen;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of automatic activation setting screen;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of entire function enabling settingscreen; and

FIG. 17 is an example of sequence diagram illustrating operation when toinstall a software program.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of thisdisclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. Theaccompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unlessexplicitly noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description is now given of exemplary embodiments of the presentinventions. It should be noted that although such terms as first,second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or units, it should be understood thatsuch elements, components, regions, layers and/or units are not limitedthereby because such terms are relative, that is, used only todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or unit from anotherregion, layer or unit. Thus, for example, a first element, component,region, layer or unit discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or unit without departing from the teachings ofthe present inventions.

Further, it should be noted that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting of the present inventions. Thus, for example, as usedherein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Moreover, the terms “includes” and/or “including,” when usedin this specification, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

Hereinafter, a description is given of an electronic apparatus, aninformation processing system, and an information processing methodaccording to one or more embodiments of this disclosure in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the followingembodiments are not limited to this disclosure, and the components inthe following embodiments may include those implemented by the skilledin the art, substantially identical, and in equivalent range. Further,various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations ofcomponents can be made without departing from the scope of the followingembodiments.

In this disclosure, computer software is a program related to computeroperation, and information which is used for processing by computer,equivalent to the program (hereinafter, computer software is referred toas software). An application software is a generic name for softwarethat is used to perform specific tasks, in software classification. Anoperating system (OS) is software for controlling computers and used forenabling application software to use computer resources. The operatingsystem controls the basic management and control of computers, such asinput and output control, memory and hard disk management, processmanagement, and so on. The application software works with the functionsprovided by the operating system. A program is consisted with computerinstructions that are combined to obtain computing results. Theinformation equivalent to the program is not a program that directlyinstructs to the computer, but is similar to the program because theinformation equivalent to the program defines a computer processing. Forexample, a data structure (a logical structure of data, represented by acorrelation between data elements) corresponds to the informationequivalent to the program.

Hereinafter, a description is given of electronic apparatus according tothis disclosure, such as multifunctional peripheral apparatus (MFP),which is an example of image forming apparatus, but is not limitedthereto. For example, the electronic apparatus can be informationprocessing apparatus, such as smartphone, portable telephone, andpersonal computer (PC), consumer electronics, industrial machine,built-in machine, medical device, or the like. Further, themultifunction peripheral apparatus (MFP) is an apparatus having aplurality of different functions, such as copying function, scannerfunction, printer function, and facsimile function.

Configuration of Information Processing System

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of configuration of an informationprocessing system 1 according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, adescription is given of a configuration of the information processingsystem 1 with reference to FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes,for example, a multifunction peripheral apparatus (MFP) 10, anapplication market server 20 (an example of server), a contractmanagement server 30 (an example of another server), and a personalcomputer (PC) 40 (an example of information processing apparatus), whichare communicatively connected to each other via a network N. Theapplication market server 20 and the contract management server 30 areincluded in cloud C as the servers for providing cloud services.

The MFP 10 is an image forming apparatus, which is an example ofelectronic apparatus capable of performing various functions, such ascopying function, scanner function, facsimile function, printerfunction, or the like.

The application market server 20 is a server that provides cloudservices, which provides a list screen of one or more programs ofapplication and one or more programs of firmware that can be installedon the MFP 10, and has an application market site, from which one ormore programs of application and/or one or more programs of firmwareselected by the user can be downloaded and installed on the MFP 10. Inthis description, the term of “application” may mean one or moreprograms of application, and the term of “firmware” may mean one or moreprograms of firmware.

The contract management server 30 is a server that provides cloudservices of purchase site, which is used to make a purchase contract fora user who has logged in to a charged application and charged firmware,and manages a purchase contract status in association with tenantidentification (ID), user ID, and device ID.

The PC 40 is an information processing apparatus that communicates withthe contract management server 30 via the network N to make a purchasecontract of charged application or firmware to be installed on the MFP10.

Further, the service provided by the application market site is notlimited to being implemented by the application market server 20 alone,but can be implemented by, for example, using a plurality of servers.The same applies to a purchase site of the contract management server30.

Hardware Configuration of MFP

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of a hardware configuration ofthe MFP 10 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, a description isgiven of a hardware configuration of the MFP 10 with reference to FIG.2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes, for example, an operationunit 11, and a main unit 12. The operation unit 11 is configured toreceive an user operation, and the main unit 12 is configured toimplement various image forming functions, such as scanner function, andprinter function. In this description, the receiving of user operationincludes a process of receiving specific information input by the useroperation (including a signal indicating coordinate values on screen).

The operation unit 11 and the main unit 12 are communicatively connectedto each other via a communication path 13 dedicated for communication.The communication path 13 employs, for example, universal serial bus(USB) standard, but is not limited thereto. For example, thecommunication path 13 can employ any standards, such as wired orwireless standards.

The main unit 12 performs an operation corresponding to an operationreceived by the operation unit 11, which may be performed by a user orothers. Further, the main unit 12 can also communicate with an externaldevice, and can perform an operation corresponding to an instructionreceived from the external device.

Hardware Configuration of Operation Unit

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation unit 11 includes, for example, acentral processing unit (CPU) 811, a read only memory (ROM) 812, arandom access memory (RAM) 813, a flash memory 814, an operation panel815, a connection interface (I/F) 816, a communication interface (I/F)817, and bus 818.

The CPU 811 is a computing device that controls operations of theoperation unit 11 entirely. The CPU 811 controls the operation of theoperation unit 11 entirely by executing programs stored in the ROM 812or flash memory 814 using the RAM 813 as a work area. For example, theCPU 811 implements various functions, such as displaying information(e.g., image) corresponding to the input received from a user on theoperation panel 815.

The ROM 812 is a nonvolatile memory that stores basic input/outputsystem (BIOS), various settings, or the like that are executed at thetime of activating the operation unit 11. The RAM 813 is a volatilememory that is used as a work area of the CPU 811. The flash memory 814is a nonvolatile storage device for storing, for example, operatingsystem (OS), application programs, and various data.

The operation panel 815 is a device having a function that receivesvarious inputs corresponding to the user operation, and having an inputfunction and a display function for displaying various information(e.g., information corresponding to received operation, informationindicating operation state of the MFP 10, setting information). Theoperation panel 815 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display(LCD) device equipped with a touch panel function. The operation panel815 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device, but can be madeof, for example, an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display deviceequipped with a touch panel function. Further, the operation panel 815may include an operation unit such as a hardware key or a display unitsuch as a lamp, in addition to or in place of the touch panel function.

The connection I/F 816 is an interface for communicating with the mainunit 12 via the communication path 13.

The communication I/F 817 is a network interface for connecting theoperation unit 11 to the network N and communicating with an externaldevice connected to the network N. The communication I/F 817 correspondsto, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), and is an interfacecapable of communication conforming to transmission controlprotocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) or the like.

The bus 818 is a transmission path that connects each of theabove-described components to each other, and transmits address signals,data signals, and various control signals.

Further, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 11 illustratedin FIG. 2 is just one example, and may include components other than thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 2.

Hardware Configuration of Main Unit

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the main unit 12 includes, for example, a CPU821, a ROM 822, a RAM 823, a storage 824, a scanner engine 825, aprinter engine 826, a connection I/F 827, a communication I/F 828, and abus 829.

The CPU 821 is a computing device that controls operations of the mainunit 12 entirely. The CPU 821 controls the operation of the main unit 12entirely by executing programs stored in the ROM 822 or the storage 824using the RAM 823 as a work area. For example, the CPU 821 implementsvarious functions, such as copy function, scanner function, facsimilefunction, and printer function.

The ROM 822 is a nonvolatile memory that stores BIOS, various settings,or the like that are executed when activating the main unit 12. The RAM823 is a volatile memory that is used as a work area of the CPU 821. Thestorage 824 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores, for example,operating system (OS), various application programs, and various data.The storage 824 can be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solidstate drive (SSD) or the like.

The scanner engine 825 is a hardware that performs a scanner function toscan and read one or more documents as images, among the image formingfunctions, which is other than general purpose information processingand processing communication.

The printer engine 826 is a hardware that performs a printer function ofprinting on a print medium such as paper or the like, among the imageforming functions, which is other than general purpose informationprocessing and processing communication.

The connection I/F 827 is an interface for communicating with theoperation unit 11 via the communication path 13.

The communication I/F 828 is a network interface for connecting the mainunit 12 to the network N and communicating with an external deviceconnected to the network N. The communication I/F 828 is an interfacethat corresponds to, for example, Ethernet and that is capable ofcommunication conforming to TCP/IP or the like.

The bus 829 is a transmission path that connects each of theabove-described components to each other, and transmits address signals,data signals, and various control signals.

Further, the hardware configuration of the main unit 12 illustrated inFIG. 2 is just one example. The main unit 12 may include componentsother than those illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the main unit 12may include a finisher that sorts printed media, or a particular optionsuch as auto document feeder (ADF) which automatically feeds documents.

Hardware Configuration of Application Market Server

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a block diagram of a hardwareconfiguration of the application market server 20 according to theembodiment. Hereinafter, a description is given of a hardwareconfiguration of the application market server 20 with reference to FIG.3.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the application market server 20 includes, forexample, a CPU 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an auxiliary storage device905, a media drive 907, a display 908, a network I/F 909, a keyboard911, a mouse 912, and a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive 914.

The CPU 901 is a computing device that controls operations of theapplication market server 20 entirely. The ROM 902 is a nonvolatilestorage device that stores programs for the application market server20. The RAM 903 is a volatile storage device used as a work area of theCPU 901.

The auxiliary storage device 905 is a storage device such as HDD or SSD,which stores images scanned by the MFP 10 by performing the scanningfunction.

The media drive 907 is a device that controls reading and writing ofdata to a recording medium 906, such as flash memory, under the controlof the CPU 901.

The display 908 is a display device composed of a liquid crystal or anorganic electro-luminescence (OEL) that displays various information,such as cursor, menu, window, characters, images, or the like.

The network I/F 909 is an interface for communicating data with anexternal device such as MFP 10 using network N. The network I/F 909 is,for example, a network interface card (NIC) conforming to Ethernet,which is compatible with TCP/IP for communication.

The keyboard 911 is an input device used for selecting characters,numbers, various instructions, and a cursor movement. The mouse 912 isan input device for selecting and executing various instructions,selecting an object to be processed, and moving the cursor.

The DVD drive 914 is a device for controlling reading and writing ofdata to the DVD 913 such as DVD-ROM or digital versatile disk recordable(DVD-R) used as an example of removable storage medium.

The CPU 901, ROM 902, RAM 903, auxiliary storage 905, media drive 907,display 908, network I/F 909, keyboard 911, mouse 912 and DVD drive 914,as described above, are communicatively connected to each other by a busline 910 such as an address bus and a data bus.

The hardware configuration of the application market server 20illustrated in FIG. 3 is just one example, and it is not required toinclude all of the components illustrated in FIG. 3, or may include anyother components.

Further, although the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 isdescribed as the hardware configuration of the application market server20, the hardware configuration of the contract management server 30 andthe PC 40 is also corresponding to the hardware configurationillustrated in FIG. 3.

Software Configuration in Information Processing System)

FIG. 4 is an example of software configuration of the informationprocessing system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an example offunction configuration of firmware to be updated. Hereinafter, adescription is given of a software configuration of the informationprocessing system 1 with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the operation unit 11 includes, for example,an application market application 51, a browser 52, and an operationunit system 53.

The application market application 51 is an application thatcommunicates with an application market site provided by the applicationmarket server 20 to download application or firmware corresponding to auser operation via the browser 52.

The browser 52 is software that implements functions, such as webapplications, by acquiring web contents (e.g., hypertext markup language(HTML), cascading style sheets (CSS), JavaScript (registered trademark),and various electronic files from the application market server 20.

The operation unit system 53 is software that controls operations of theoperation unit 11 other than the function implemented by the browser 52.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the main unit 12 includes, for example, a mainunit system 61, an image generation engine 62, and an image generationapplication 63.

The main unit system 61 is a software that controls the operation of themain unit 12.

The image generation engine 62 corresponds to the scanner engine 825 andthe printer engine 826 described above. The image generation application63 is an application that controls the operations of the imagegeneration engine 62. For example, the image generation application 63includes copy application, scanner application, facsimile application,printer application, or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ROM 822 includes an in-operation region822 a and a non-operation region 822 b. The non-operation region 822 bis used to temporarily store a firmware downloaded from the applicationmarket server 20 and retaining the firmware at a non-executed state. Thein-operation region 822 a is used to store a firmware that actuallycontrols the operation of the operation unit 11 and the main unit 12.

Among the functions of the firmware stored in the in-operation region822 a and actually executed. a software that implements an addablefunction (first function) is referred to as an addable function 64,while a software that implements a changeable function (second function)is referred to as a changeable function 65.

The addable function is a function that does not cause any effect touser operability of the MFP 10 among the functions provided by thefirmware. The addable function includes, for example, a reservationfunction of copy operation, and an interrupt function during the copyingoperation.

Further, the changeable function is a function that causes some effectto user operability of the MFP 10 among the functions provided by thefirmware, such as a function of changing user interface (UI) of theoperation screen displayed on the display unit 112. The changeablefunction includes, for example, an initial setting function accompaniedby changing of user interface (UI).

Alternatively, for example, the addable function may be a new functionfirstly provided by a firmware having a specific version, and a functionof adding a value for user by updating a firmware, which may be used asa function having a greater value for user. By contrast, the changeablefunction may be a function of changing or modifying the firmwarefunction of previous version.

Users and administrators who use devices or apparatuses can select acertain version of firmware from multiple versions listed on theoperation panel of the device or apparatuses, and can update thefirmware to the version selected from the installed version. In thissituation, the addable function can be displayed with the functiondescription at the time of selection as new function or primary functionof the selected version of firmware, and the users can collectivelyrecognize the addable function. As to the changeable function, thechangeable function changes the previous functional unit that may causea sudden change to the user and may reduce user convenience, and therebythe changeable function is required to be selected one by one.

For example, the firmware stored in the ROM 822 (in-operation region 822a) has a functional configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5. That is, inan example case of FIG. 5, the functions newly provided by the firmwarehaving the function version of “V1.0” include addable functions (1),(2), . . . and changeable functions (1), (2), (3), . . . .

As to be described later, in the embodiment, if the automatic activationsetting is turned off and the entire function activation setting isturned off, and a desired firmware is to be installed, the addablefunction is displayed to a user using a dialog box to describe thefunction collectively, and the user can select whether to activate theaddable function.

Further, as to the changeable function, the changeable function isdisplayed to a user using a dialog box to describe or explaindescription of each changeable function one by one, and the user canselect whether or not to enable the changeable function one by one. Theoperation of enabling the addable function and changeable function willbe described later. In this description, the enabling of function, suchas addable function and changeable function, of firmware that isinstalled (or updated) may be also referred to as the activation offunction.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the PC 40 includes, for example, a browser 71.The browser 71 is software that implements functions, such as webapplications by obtaining web contents (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript,various electronic files) from the contract management server 30.

Functional Configuration of Information Processing System)

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example of a block diagram of a functionalconfiguration of the information processing system 1 according to theembodiment. Hereinafter, a description is given of a functionalconfiguration of the information processing system 1 with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation unit 11 of the MFP 10includes, for example, the browser 52 and the operation unit system 53,an input unit 111, a display unit 112, a communication unit 113, and astorage unit 114. The browser 52 includes, for example, a user interface(UI) unit 521 (an example of display control unit), a list request unit522, a screen request unit 523, an installation request unit 524. Theoperation unit system 53 includes, for example, a UI unit 531 (anexample of display control unit), and a setting unit 532.

The UI unit 521 is a functional that displays a web page or the likecorresponding to specific content, acquired from the application marketserver 20, using the display unit 112. Further, the UI unit 521 receivesvarious operations (e.g., press for link) on the web page according toan inputting operation by a user to the input unit 111. The UI unit 521is implemented by executing the browser 52 by the CPU 811 of theoperation unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The list request unit 522 is a functional unit that requests a list ofapplication and/or firmware installable on the MFP 10 to the applicationmarket server 20, in response to an inputting operation performed by auser to the input unit 111. The list request unit 522 is implemented byexecuting the browser 52 by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11illustrated in FIG. 2.

The screen request unit 523 is a functional unit that requestsinformation on various screens, to be displayed using the display unit112, to the application market server 20 in response to an inputtingoperation performed by a user to the input unit 111. The screen requestunit 523 is implemented by executing the browser 52 by the CPU 811 ofthe operation unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The installation request unit 524 is a functional unit that requests theapplication market server 20 for installing a designated firmware inresponse to an inputting operation performed by a user to the input unit111. In the embodiment, the “installation” of firmware means that afirmware is stored (updated) in the ROM 822 (specifically, thenon-operation region 822 b), a firmware is stored in the in-operationregion 822 a and is in an executable state, and activating the function(addable function, changeable function) of the executable firmware, orthe like. The installation request unit 524 is implemented by executingthe browser 52 by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 illustrated inFIG. 2.

The UI unit 531 is a functional unit that displays a screen (e.g., homescreen, to be described later) used for performing various operations ofthe MFP 10, using the display unit 112. The UI unit 531 is implementedby executing the operation unit system 53 by the CPU 811 of theoperation unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The setting unit 532 is a functional unit that sets various settings, inresponse to an inputting operation performed by a user to the input unit111 on various setting screens (e.g., automatic update setting screen,automatic activation setting screen, to be described later) displayedusing the display unit 112. The setting unit 532 is implemented byexecuting the operation unit system 53 by the CPU 811 of the operationunit 11 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The input unit 111 is a functional unit that receives an inputtingoperation performed by a user. The input unit 111 is implemented by aninput function of the operation panel 815 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The display unit 112 is a functional unit that displays variousinformation in accordance with the instructions of the UI unit 521 andthe UI unit 531. The display unit 112 is implemented by a displayfunction of the operation panel 815 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The communication unit 113 is a functional unit that performs datacommunication with the application market server 20 via the network N inunder the control of the browser 52. The communication unit 113 isimplemented by the communication I/F 817 and executing the program bythe CPU 811 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The storage unit 114 is a functional unit that stores various data. Forexample, the storage unit 114 stores setting information set on anautomatic update setting screen, an automatic activation setting screen,and an entire function enabling setting screen, to be described later.The storage unit 114 is implemented by the RAM 813 or flash memory 814illustrated in FIG. 2.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the main unit 12 of the MFP10 includes, for example, a reservation unit 611, an update unit 612, aactivation processing unit 613 (main activation processing unit), anactivation management unit 614, a determination unit 615, an addablefunction activation confirmation unit 641 (first activation confirmationunit, first enablement confirmation unit), an addable functionactivation processing unit 642 (an example of enablement unit, firstenablement unit), an changeable function activation confirmation unit651 (second activation confirmation unit, second enablement confirmationunit), and an changeable function activation processing unit 652 (anexample of enablement unit, second enablement unit).

When a user designates or selects a specific firmware having a specificfunction version, the reservation unit 611 reserves an enabling of theaddable function corresponding to the specific function version afterupdating the designated specific firmware. The information of functioncorresponding to the specific function version reserved by thereservation unit 611 may be temporarily stored, for example, in the RAM823 or storage 824 illustrated in FIG. 2. The reservation unit 611 isimplemented by executing the main unit system 61 by the CPU 821 of themain unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The update unit 612 is a functional unit that updates the specificfirmware downloaded from the application market server 20 via thecommunication unit 113 into the non-operation region 822 b of the ROM822 (an example of storage unit) illustrated in FIG. 4. The update unit612 is implemented by executing the main unit system 61 by the CPU 821of the main unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The activation processing unit 613 is a functional unit that copies thespecific firmware updated in the non-operation region 822 b of the ROM822 by the update unit 612 to the in-operation region 822 a of the ROM822, and executes the specific firmware when the MFP 10 is activated(booted) or rebooted. As to be described later, even if a specific orparticular firmware stored in the operation region 822 a is to beexecuted by the activation processing unit 613, the addable function andchangeable function included in the specific or particular firmware canbe executed only if a user performs the installation operation(operation for activation) to enable the specific function, such as theaddable function and changeable function.

Therefore, after the user recognizes a screen prompting to enable(activate) each of the addable function and changeable function, andthen the user performs the installation operation (operation foractivation) described above, each function is in the executable statefor the first time. The activation processing unit 613 is implemented bythe main unit system 61 executed by the CPU 821 of the main unit 12illustrated in FIG. 2.

Further, for example, when the addable function or changeable functionis activated, and then each function of the addable function or thechanged function is in the executable state, setting information fordetermining whether or not to execute the function actually can befurther provided.

For example, even if the changeable function is activated, if thesetting information for the changeable function is set not to execute,the changeable function is not be executed, in which the changeablefunction can be executed for the first time if the setting informationis set to execute.

The activation management unit 614 is a functional unit that manages themaximum function version of addable function that can be activated usingcurrently installed and executable firmware (hereinafter, referred to asthe maximum function version), and the function version of addablefunction being activated using currently installed and executablefirmware (hereinafter, referred to as current function version).

For example, when the firmware function version is “V1.0,” the functionversion of the addable function is also referred to as “V1.0,” and thefunction version of the changeable function is also referred to as“V1.0.”

For example, when the firmware of “FW V1.2” is installed in theexecutable state, the maximum function version becomes “V1.2.” That is,the firmware of “FW V1.2” has a function version of “V1.2,” and if theaddable function of “V1.2” is activated, the function versioncorresponding to the activated addable function is “V1.2,” and “V1.2”becomes the maximum function version.

Further, for example, when the firmware of “FW V1.2” is installed on theMFP 10 in the executable state, the maximum function version becomes“V1.2,” however, if only the addable function up to “V1.1” is activatedusing the firmware, the current function version becomes “V1.1.”

The activation management unit 614 also manages which changeablefunction of which function version is activated. The activationmanagement unit 614 is implemented by executing the main unit system 61by the CPU 821 of the main unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The determination unit 615 compares a function version of a firmwaredesignated by a user, the maximum function version, and a currentfunction version to determine which function is greater. Thedetermination unit 615 is implemented by executing the main unit system61 by the CPU 821 of the main unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The addable function activation confirmation unit 641 is a functionalunit that checks or confirms whether an activation is instructed to thecurrent function version at a particular time of the MFP 10, and anactivation is instructed to the addable function included in aparticular function version that is greater than the current functionversion. The addable function activation confirmation unit 641 isimplemented by executing the addable function 64 of the firmware that isinstalled in the executable sate on the main unit 12 illustrated in FIG.2.

The addable function activation processing unit 642 activates an addablefunction of a designated particular firmware having a particularfunction version in accordance with an installation operation(activation operation) to the input unit 111 by a user. The addablefunction activation processing unit 642 is implemented by executing theaddable function 64 of the firmware that is installed in the executablesate on the main unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The changeable function activation confirmation unit 651 is a functionalunit that checks or confirms a currently-activated changeable functionand a function version of the currently-activated changeable function,and an activation state of the changeable function corresponding to thefunction version of the newly activated addable function. The changeablefunction activation confirmation unit 651 is implemented by executingthe changeable function 65 of the firmware that is installed in theexecutable sate on the main unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The changeable function activation processing unit 652 is a functionalunit that activates each changeable function of a designated particularfirmware having a particular function version in accordance with aninstallation operation (activation operation) to the input unit 111 by auser. The changeable function activation processing unit 652 isimplemented by executing the changeable function 65 of the firmware thatis installed in the executable sate on the main unit 12 illustrated inFIG. 2.

Thus, by updating the pre-installed firmware and the application of theelectronic apparatus, such as the MFP 10, the latest function can beadded to the electronic apparatus. This technology is referred to as“always current technology (ACT)” in the embodiment. The electronicequipment equipped with the ACT function can acquire, via the network N,the latest function that was not installed at the time of purchase as afirmware package, and can add the latest function as the function.

Further, the firmware package for adding the function via the network Nbecomes public at a given time on the application market server 20 thatis an acquisition destination of firmware. Therefore, the time lagbetween the development of the function to be added to the electronicequipment and the installation of the function can be reduced, andthereby the new function can be added to the electronic apparatus in atimely manner. Further, conventionally, a user may buy the electronicapparatus for utilizing new function. In the embodiment, since the useris not required to buy the electronic apparatus itself for utilizing thenew function, the cost of user can be reduced.

Further, the functional units of the operation unit 11 and the main unit12 of the MFP 10 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptuallyillustrated, and are not limited to the configuration of the FIGS. 6Aand 6B. For example, a plurality of functional units of the MFP 10illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B as independent functional units may beconfigured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function ofone functional unit of the MFP 10 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B may bedivided into a plurality of functions, and a plurality of functionalunits may be formed.

Further, for example, in the operation unit 11, the functional unitimplemented by the browser 52 and the functional unit implemented by theoperation unit system 53 do not need to be clearly distinguished fromeach other, and the functional unit implemented by the browser 52 may beimplemented by the operation unit system 53, and vice versa. Further, asoftware different from the browser 52 and the operation unit system 53may implement the function of each functional unit.

Further, the addable function activation confirmation unit 641 and theaddable function activation processing unit 642 are functions that areimplemented by the addable function 64, but is not limited thereto. Forexample, a software (e.g., main unit system 61) different from theaddable function 64 may have functions of the addable functionactivation confirmation unit 641 and the addable function activationprocessing unit 642. The same applies to the changeable functionactivation confirmation unit 651 and the changeable function activationprocessing unit 652.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the application marketserver 20 includes, for example, a list response unit 201, a screenresponse unit 202, a designated version response unit 204, acommunication unit 205 (transmission unit), and a storage unit 206.

The list response unit 201 is a functional unit that generates a list ofapplication and/or firmware installable on the MFP 10, and transmits thelist of application and/or firmware to the MFP 10 via the communicationunit 205, in response to a request of the list request unit 522 of theMFP 10. The list response unit 201 is implemented by executing theprogram by the CPU 901 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The screen response unit 202 is a functional unit that transmitsinformation on various screens (e.g., home screen) to the MFP 10 via thecommunication unit 205, in response to a request of the screen requestunit 523 of the MFP 10. The screen response unit 202 is implemented byexecuting the program by the CPU 901 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The designated version response unit 204 is a functional unit thatresponds to the main unit system 61 of the MFP 10, a specific functionversion of a specific firmware which is requested to be installed by theinstallation request unit 524 of the MFP 10. The designated versionresponse unit 204 is implemented by executing the program by the CPU 901illustrated in FIG. 3.

The communication unit 205 is a functional unit that performs datacommunication with the MFP 10 and the contract management server 30 viathe network N. The communication unit 205 is implemented by the networkI/F 909 and executing the program by the CPU 901 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The storage unit 206 is a functional unit that stores various programs,such as application, firmware and packages combining one or moreprograms of application and/or firmware. The storage unit 206 isimplemented by the auxiliary storage device 905 illustrated in FIG. 3.

Further, the functional units of the application market server 20illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptually illustrated, and are notlimited to the configuration of the FIGS. 6A and 6B. For example, aplurality of functional units of the application market server 20illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B as independent functional units may beconfigured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function ofone functional unit of the application market server 20 illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B may be divided into a plurality of functions, and aplurality of functional units may be formed.

Further, the functional units of the MFP 10, and the application marketserver 20 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be implemented by executingvarious software, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least anyfunctional units may be implemented by a dedicated hardware circuit,such as an integrated circuit.

Screen and Screen Transition on MFP

FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate examples of screen transition. FIG. 10illustrates an example of home screen. FIG. 11 illustrates an example oflist screen of application and firmware, which displays targetapplication and firmware that can be installed from an application site.FIG. 12 illustrates an example of installation screen used forinstalling a firmware. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of installationscreen used for an already installed firmware. Hereinafter, adescription is given of a screen displayed on the MFP 10 and a flow ofscreen transition with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13.

Hereinafter, a description is given of a transition operation from thehome screen 1000 to a screen used for activating the addable functionand changeable function with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Asillustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the home screen 1000 being displayedusing the display unit 112 of the MFP 10 includes, for example, anapplication site button 1002 used for displaying a list screen ofapplication and firmware (to be described later) that can be installedon the MFP 10, and a widget 1003.

The widget 1003 is a display area and button displaying the latestinformation on the MFP 10. In an example case of FIGS. 7A and 7B, thewidget 1003 displays a message indicating that the “latest information:received latest information of software update” and informs a user thata software can be updated. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the home screen1000 includes, for example, the application site button 1002, the widget1003, a copy button 1004 a used for performing copy processing, ascanner button 1004 b used for performing scanning processing, and afacsimile button 1004 c used for performing facsimile processing.

If the user presses the widget 1003, the UI unit 531 instructs thedisplay unit 112 to display a notification dialog box 1500 (an exampleof first screen) illustrated in FIG. 7B.

The notification dialog box 1500 is a screen used for displaying whichfirmware can be installed (or activated) specifically. For example, thenotification dialog box 1500 is a screen used for installing (oractivating) a firmware having the latest function version. Asillustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the notification dialog box 1500includes, for example, a screen shot display section 1501, a descriptiondisplay section 1502, and a detail button 1503. In an example case ofFIG. 7B, the notification dialog box 1500 displays the firmware of “FWV1.2.”

The screen shot display section 1501 is a section used for displaying anoperation state of the concerned firmware being displayed by thenotification dialog box 1500 as a screen shot.

The description display section 1502 is a display section used fordescribing the operation of the concerned firmware.

The detail button 1503 is a button used for displaying an installationscreen used for performing an installation (activation) operation of theconcerned firmware.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, if the user presses the detailbutton 1503 to install the firmware of “FW V1.2,” the UI unit 521instructs the display unit 112 to display the installation screen 1300(an example of first screen) used for installing the concerned firmware.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the installation screen 1300 displays ascreen shot display section 1301 used for displaying an operation stateof the concerned firmware, a description display section 1302 used fordescribing a specific function (addable function, changeable function)of the concerned firmware, a detail link section 1303 used for shiftingor transitioning to a screen displaying details of the function of theconcerned firmware, and an installation button 1304 used for performingan installation processing (or activation processing).

Thus, a user can confirm the contents of function (addable function,changeable function) of the concerned firmware described on each screenby checking the contents of the notification dialog box 1500 and theinstallation screen 1300. Then, after the confirmation, the user candecide whether to activate the addable function of the concernedfirmware.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, if the user presses the installationbutton 1304 to install the firmware of “FW V1.2,” after performingvarious processing (to be described later with reference to FIG. 17),the addable function activation processing unit 642 activates theaddable function of the concerned firmware, and then the UI unit 531instructs the display unit 112 to display a changeable function dialogbox 1510 (an example of second screen) used for activating eachchangeable function. That is, the user can select whether to activatethe addable function of the concerned firmware, being displayed, byperforming an operation on the installation screen 1300. For example, ifthe user selects not to activate the addable function, by pressing aclose button or cancel button on the installation screen 1300, theaddable function activation processing unit 642 does not activate theaddable function, and then the UI unit 531 may instruct the display unit112 to display the changeable function dialog box 1510.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the changeable function dialog box 1510 is ascreen used for activating the changeable function of the concernedfirmware introduced in the notification dialog box 1500 and theinstallation screen 1300, one by one. The changeable function dialog box1510 includes, for example, a screen shot display section 1511, adescription display section 1512, a return button 1513 a, a proceedbutton 1513 b, and an installation button 1514.

The screen shot display section 1511 is a section used for displaying anoperation state of the changeable function of the concerned firmwareintroduced by the notification dialog box 1500 as a screen shot.

The description display section 1512 is a display section used fordescribing the operation of the changeable function of the concernedfirmware.

The return button 1513 a is a button used for returning to a display ofchangeable function dialog box of a particular changeable function thatwas displayed most recently, for one or more changeable functions of theconcerned firmware.

The proceed button 1513 b is a button used for proceeding to a displayof a particular changeable function dialog box to be displayed next, forone or more changeable functions of the concerned firmware.

The installation button 1514 is a button used for activating thechangeable function displayed in the changeable function dialog box1510.

Thus, the user can check the specific contents of the changeablefunction included in the concerned firmware by checking the changeablefunction dialog box 1510. Then, after the confirmation, the user candecide whether to activate each changeable function of the concernedfirmware.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, if a user presses the installationbutton 1514 to activate the firmware changeable function of “FW V1.2,”after performing various processing (to be described later withreference to FIG. 17), the changeable function activation processingunit 652 activates the changeable function of the concerned firmware.That is, the user can select whether or not to activate each changeablefunction by selecting any one of changeable functions included in theconcerned firmware by performing an operation to the changeable functiondialog box 1510. For example, if the user is to activate only a targetchangeable function among the changeable functions, the changeablefunction dialog box corresponding to the target changeable function isdisplayed, and the installation button is pressed to activate the targetchangeable function. As to the changeable function that is not to beactivated, the user press the close button (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) withoutperforming the above operation to close the changeable function dialogbox.

As described above, by pressing the widget 1003 displaying the latestinformation on the MFP 10 on the home screen 1000, for example, thenotification dialog box 1500 describing the latest firmware that can beinstalled (or activated) is displayed, with which the user can check thecontents of the concerned firmware, and then the use can activate theaddable function and the selected target function individually, and theinstallation operation can be easily performed.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a description is given of atransition operation of screen when the addable function of the latestfirmware introduced on the notification dialog box 1500 is activated,and then all of the changeable functions are not activated on thechangeable function dialog box 1510 that is displayed after activatingthe addable function of the latest firmware introduced on thenotification dialog box 1500.

If the user presses the widget 1003 on the home screen 1000, since theaddable function of the firmware described in the widget 1003 hasalready been activated, the UI unit 531 skips the notification dialogbox 1500 and the installation screen 1300 of FIGS. 7A and 7B, anddisplays the changeable function dialog box 1510 for the changeablefunction of the latest firmware that has not been activated yet. Withthis processing, among the changeable function of the latest firmware,an activation operation can be easily performed for a particularchangeable function that has not been yet activated.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a description is givenof transition operation from the home screen 1000 to a screen used foractivating the addable function and changeable function using adifferent way compared to the screen transition illustrated in FIGS. 7Aand 7B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, if a user presses the applicationsite button 1002 on the home screen 1000, being displayed using thedisplay unit 112 of the MFP 10, the UI unit 521 instructs the displayunit 112 to display a list of a plurality of applications and firmwaresthat can be installed on the MFP 10 on the display unit. 1200.

The list screen 1200 is a screen used for displaying a list of aplurality of applications and firmwares installable on the MFP 10. Thelist screen 1200 displays a list of button icons used for installingeach application. and a list of button icons used for installing eachfirmware.

In this description, the “installable application” is not limited to anapplication that is not currently installed or activated, but includesan application that have already been installed or activated. That is,the list screen 1200 displays the list of application and firmware. Theapplication includes one or more programs of application that can beupdated, and one or more programs of application that are alreadyinstalled. The firmware includes one or more programs of firmware thatcan be updated, one or more programs of firmware that are alreadyinstalled and function of the one or more programs of firmware can beactivated, and one or more programs of firmware that are alreadyinstalled and a function of the one or more programs of firmware arealready activated.

In an example case of FIG. 11, the list screen 1200 includes buttonscorresponding to firmwares, such as, a firmware button 1201 acorresponding to “FW V1.0,” a firmware button 1201 b corresponding to“FW V1.1,” a firmware button 1201 c corresponding to “FW V1.2,” and afirmware button 1201 d corresponding to “FW V1.3.” Further, the listscreen 1200 includes, for example, an application button 1202 acorresponding to “App A” and an application button 1202 b correspondingto “App B” as buttons for applications. Further, the list screen 1200includes, for example, a management button 1203 for setting varioussettings.

Further, the list screen 1200 may display only one or more programs ofthe application and firmware not yet installed, or only a list of one ormore programs of firmware having one or more of the function versionsthat are not yet activated.

Then, among the list displayed on the list screen 1200 being displayedby the UI unit 521, the user presses a button of firmware or a button ofapplication, desired to be installed by the user. For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, if the user presses the firmware button1201 c to install the firmware of “FW V1.2,” the UI unit 521 instructsthe display unit 112 to display the installation screen 1300 used forinstalling the firmware of “FW V1.2.”

The layout and function of the installation screen 1300 are as describedabove. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, if a user touchesthe detail link section 1303, the UI unit 521 instructs the display unit112 to display a detail screen 1400 used for displaying one or morefunctions of the concerned firmware in detail. The detail screen 1400 isa screen used for displaying a detailed description of the newly addedfunction for the firmware of “FW V1.2.”

Hereinafter, a description is given of the installation screen indetail. It is assumed that the firmware having the function version of“V1.0” is installed on the MFP 10, and the addable functioncorresponding to the function version of “V1.0” is already activated inthe MFP 10. In this example case, the maximum function version is“V1.0,” and the current function version is also “V1.0.” Further, it isassumed that all of the changeable functions corresponding to thefunction version of “V1.0” are also already activated.

In this example case, if the user presses the firmware button 1201 cused for installing the firmware of “FW V1.2” on the list screen 1200(FIG. 11), the installation screen 1300 of the firmware having thefunction version of “FW V1.2” is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 12.

If the user presses the installation button 1304 on the installationscreen 1300 (FIG. 12), it becomes clear that the user wants to use thefunction corresponding to the function version of “V1.2,” and if thefirmware of “FW V1.2” is not yet downloaded from the application marketserver 20, the firmware of “FW V1.2” is downloaded from the applicationmarket server 20 and installed, and then the addable functioncorresponding to the function version of “V1.2” is activated.

Further, if the user presses the firmware button 1201 a on the listscreen 1200 to install the firmware of “FW V1.0” (FIG. 11), aninstallation screen 1320 of the firmware of “FW V1.0” is displayed asillustrated in FIG. 13. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the installationscreen 1320 includes, for example, a screen shot display section 1321, adescription display section 1322, a detail link section 1323, and aninstalled display section 1324. The functions of the screen shot displaysection 1321, the description display section 1322, and the detail linksection 1323 are similar to those of the screen shot display section1301, the description display section 1302, and the detail link section1303 of the installation screen 1300 described above.

However, as described above, as to the state of the firmware of the MFP10, the maximum function version is “V1.0,” and the current functionversion is also “V1.0.” Since all of the changeable functions of “V1.0”have been activated already, there is no need to install the firmwarehaving the function version of “V1.0,” and a message of “installed” isdisplayed on the installed display section 1324 instead of theinstallation button 1304 of FIG. 12. Therefore, the user can recognizethat the concerned firmware selected on the list screen 1200 has alreadybeen installed, and the function (addable function, changeable function)of the function version of the concerned firmware has already beenactivated.

Further, if the updating the concerned firmware and activation of all ofthe addable function and changeable function are completed for theconcerned firmware displayed on the widget 1003, the display of theconcerned firmware disappears from the widget 1003.

However, even if the activation of any one of the addable function andchangeable function is not yet completed, the displaying of the widget1003 for a longer period of time may have some problem. Therefore, itcan be configured that, within a certain period of time (e.g., one week)after the latest firmware is displayed on the widget 1003, if theactivation of any one of the addable function and changeable function isnot yet completed, the notification dialog box 1500 or the changeablefunction dialog box 1510 may be displayed by touching the widget 1003 bya user. Then, when the certain period of time elapses, even if all ofthe functions of the latest firmware are not yet activated, thenotification dialog box 1500 or the changeable function dialog box 1510may not be displayed by touching the widget 1003 by the user.

Automatic Update Setting and Automatic Activation Setting

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of automatic update setting screen. FIG.15 illustrates an example of automatic activation setting screen. FIG.16 illustrates an example of entire function enabling setting screen.Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a description is given ofan automatic update setting of firmware, an automatic activation settingof function of the firmware, and an entire function enabling setting offunction of the firmware.

If a user presses the management button 1203 on the list screen 1200(FIG. 11), the UI unit 531 instructs the display unit 112 to display anautomatic update setting screen 1600 illustrated in FIG. 14, anautomatic activation setting screen 1610 illustrated in FIG. 15, or anentire function enabling setting screen 1620 illustrated in FIG. 16.

Further, the list screen 1200 may include management buttons,respectively used for displaying the automatic update setting screen1600, the automatic activation setting screen 1610, and the entirefunction enabling setting screen 1620. Further, when the managementbutton 1203 is pressed, the automatic update setting screen 1600, theautomatic activation setting screen 1610 or the entire function enablingsetting screen 1620 is displayed, and then the automatic update settingscreen 1600, the automatic activation setting screen 1610, and theentire function enabling setting screen 1620 may be freely transitioned.

The automatic update setting screen 1600 (see FIG. 14) is a screen usedfor determining whether the MFP 10 downloads a concerned new firmwarefrom the application market server 20 and then to install (update) theconcerned new firmware in a case of upgrading the firmware currentlyinstalled on the MFP 10 to the concerned new firmware when the newfirmware is released from the application market server 20. After a usersets ON/OFF on the automatic update setting screen 1600 and then pressesOK button 1601, the setting unit 532 stores the concerned settinginformation in the storage unit 114.

For example, if the automatic update setting of the firmware is turned“ON” on the automatic update setting screen 1600, and then theinstallation request unit 524 of the MFP 10 receives a notice ofreleasing of a version-upgraded firmware from the application marketserver 20 via the communication unit 113, the installation request unit524 automatically transmits an installation request of theversion-upgraded firmware to the application market server 20. Then, theupdate unit 612 automatically downloads the version-upgraded firmwarefrom the application market server 20 via the communication unit 113,and then updates and store the version-upgraded firmware in thenon-operation region 822 b of the ROM 822.

The automatic activation setting screen 1610 (see FIG. 15) is a screenused for determining whether to set the automatic activation for theaddable function of the concerned firmware at the time of installing theversion-upgraded firmware on the MFP 10. After a user sets ON/OFF on theautomatic activation setting screen 1610 and then presses OK button1611, the setting unit 532 stores the concerned setting information inthe storage unit 114.

For example, if the automatic activation is turned “OFF” on theautomatic activation setting screen 1610 and the automatic updating isturned “ON” on the automatic update setting screen 1600, and if theconcerned firmware displayed on the installation screen is alreadyautomatically downloaded and updated, and then the installation buttonon the installation screen is pressed, the addable function activationprocessing unit 642 performs the activation process of the function ofthe concerned firmware only.

Further, if the automatic activation is turned “ON” on the automaticactivation setting screen 1610 and the automatic updating is turned “ON”on the automatic update setting screen 1600, and then the installationrequest unit 524 automatically transmits an installation request of theconcerned firmware, the update unit 612 automatically downloads theconcerned firmware and updates the concerned firmware in thenon-operation region 822 b of the ROM 822, and then the addable functionactivation processing unit 642 automatically performs the activationprocess of the function of the concerned firmware.

The entire function enabling setting screen 1620 (see FIG. 16) is ascreen used for setting whether all of the changeable functions of theconcerned firmware are to be activated automatically at the time whenthe addable function of the concerned firmware is activated. After theuser sets ON/OFF on the entire function enabling setting screen 1620 andthen presses OK button 1621, the setting unit 532 stores the concernedsetting information in the storage unit 114.

For example, when the entire function enabling setting is turned “ON” onthe entire function enabling setting screen 1620, and the automaticactivation setting is turned “ON” on the automatic activation settingscreen 1610, if the addable function is activated by pressing theinstallation button 1304 on the notification dialog box 1500 and theinstallation screen 1300 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), the changeable functionactivation processing unit 652 automatically performs the activationprocessing for all of the changeable functions.

Installation and Activation of Firmware in Information Processing System

FIG. 17 is an example of sequence diagram illustrating operation when toinstall a software program. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, adescription is given of a flowchart of firmware installation operationand firmware activation operation in the information processing system1.

(Steps S11, S12, S13) For example, when the MFP 10 is activated orbooted, the addable function activation confirmation unit 641,implemented by the addable function 64 of the firmware being installedat the time of the booting of the MFP 10, checks or confirms whether anactivation instruction of the current function version at the time ofthe booting of the MFP 10 is issued to the activation management unit614, and an activation instruction of the addable function correspondingto the function version greater than the current function version isissued to the activation management unit 614.

In an example case of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the addable functionactivation confirmation unit 641 confirms that the current functionversion at the time of the booting of the MFP 10 is “V1.0,” and theactivation instruction of the addable function corresponding to thefunction version greater than the current function version is notissued. That is, the addable function activation confirmation unit 641checks or confirms that the addable function corresponding to thefunction version greater than the current function version (e.g.,“V1.1”) is disabled, that is the function version greater than thecurrent function version is not activated.

(Steps S14, S15) A user touches the widget 1003 on the home screen 1000using the input unit 111 of the MFP 10 to display the notificationdialog box 1500, and then the user presses the detail button 1503 todisplay the installation screen 1300 of the firmware having the functionversion of “V1.1” introduced in the notification dialog box 1500. Then,the screen request unit 523 of the MFP 10 transmits a display request ofan installation screen of the firmware having the function version of“V1.1” to the application market server 20 via the communication unit113.

(Step S16) In response to receiving the display request of theinstallation screen from the MFP 10, the screen response unit 202 of theapplication market server 20 transmits information of installationscreen (installation screen information) of the firmware having thefunction version of “V1.1” to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 205.Then, the UI unit 521 of the MFP 10 displays the installation screen ofthe firmware having the function version of “V1.1” using the displayunit 112 based on the installation screen information received from theapplication market server 20.

(Steps S17, S18) If the user presses the installation button on theinstallation screen via the input unit 111, the installation requestunit 524 of the MFP 10 transmits an installation instruction (includingactivation) for requesting the designated firmware to the applicationmarket server 20 via the communication unit 113. Thus, when the userpresses the installation button on the installation screen, it becomesclear that the user wants to use the function of firmware having thefunction version confirmed by the user.

(Steps S19, S20, S21, S22) Then, the determination unit 615 of the MFP10 compares the function version of the designated firmware (i.e.,designated function version of “V1.1”) and the maximum function versionof the currently-installed firmware to determine which function versionis greater. In this example case, it is assumed that the functionversion of the designated firmware is “V1.1” while the maximum functionversion of the currently-installed firmware is “V1.0.” In this examplecase, the firmware currently installed cannot support the addablefunction corresponding to the function version of the designatedfirmware, and thereby the firmware is required to be updated with thedesignated firmware.

In response to receiving the installation instruction from theinstallation request unit 524, the designated version response unit 204of the application market server 20 transmits the function version of“V1.1” of the designated firmware to the MFP 10 via the communicationunit 205. Then, as to the function version of “V1.1” of the firmwaredesignated by the user, the reservation unit 611 of the MFP 10 makes areservation for activating the addable function corresponding to thefunction version of “V1.1” after updating the firmware designated by theuser. The information of function version reserved by the reservationunit 611 is temporarily stored, for example, in the RAM 823 or thestorage 824 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Then, the update unit 612 of the MFP 10 downloads the designatedfirmware having the function version of “V1.1” from the applicationmarket server 20 via the communication unit 113, and updates and storesthe designated firmware in the non-operation region 822 b of the ROM822. Then, after the updating unit 612 updates the designated firmwarein the non-operation region 822 b, the activation processing unit 613 ofthe MFP 10 reboots the MFP 10.

(Steps S23, S24, S25) Then, the activation processing unit 613 copiesthe firmware, updated in the non-operation region 822 b of the ROM 822by the update unit 612, into the in-operation region 822 a at therebooting time, and performs the processing for executing the firmware.That is, the activation processing unit 613 activates the addablefunction 64 and the changeable function 65 of the firmware copied to thein-operation region 822 a. However, as above described, since theaddable function provided by the addable function 64, and the changeablefunction provided by the changeable function 65 are not executable ifthe addable function provided by the addable function 64 and thechangeable function provided by the changeable function 65 are notactivated, at this stage, the functions of the addable function 64 andthe changeable function 65 are not yet in the executable state.

Further, if the automatic updating is turned “ON” on the automaticupdate setting screen 1600, the latest firmware is already updated tothe ROM 822, in which the processing of steps S20 to S25 is skipped.

(Steps S26, S27,S28, S29) Then, the addable function activationconfirmation unit 641, implemented by the addable function 64 of theinstalled firmware, checks or confirms to the activation management unit614 whether an activation (enabling) instruction of the addable functioncorresponding to the function version greater than the current functionversion of “V1.0” is issued. In an example case of FIG. 17, it isassumed that the addable function activation confirmation unit 641confirms that the current function version of the MFP 10 is “V1.0” atthis stage, and the addable function activation confirmation unit 641confirms that the activation instruction of addable functioncorresponding to the function version of “V1.1,” greater than thecurrent function version of “V1.0,” is issued (e.g., the addablefunction activation confirmation unit 641 confirms based on theactivation instruction to the addable function 64 in step S24).

Then, the addable function activation processing unit 642 activates orenables the addable function that is to be implemented by the addablefunction 64.

Further, if the automatic update is turned “ON” on the automatic updatesetting screen 1600 and the automatic activation is turned “ON” on theautomatic activation setting screen 1610, the latest firmware is updatedin the ROM 822, and when the concerned firmware is executed, the addablefunction is automatically activated. In this case, for example, if theuser presses the installation button on the install screen in step S17,at least the processing of steps S20 to S29 can be skipped.

(Steps S30, S31) Then, the changeable function activation confirmationunit 651, implemented by the changeable function 65 of the installedfirmware, checks or confirms to the activation management unit 614, thatthe changeable function is not activated at this stage, such as not onlythe function version of “V1.1” but also the changeable function havingthe function version older than the function version of “V1.1.”

(Step S32) In this example case, it is assumed that the changeablefunction activation confirmation unit 651 has confirmed that all of thechangeable functions of the firmware having the function version of“V1.1” are not yet activated (invalid) as a result of confirmation tothe activation management unit 614.

(Step S33) If the changeable function activation confirmation unit 651has confirmed that the changeable function corresponding to the functionversion of “V1.1” are not yet activated, the changeable functionactivation processing unit 652 transmits a display instruction of thechangeable function dialog box (second screen), such as the changeablefunction dialog box 1510, corresponding to the changeable function thatis not yet activated, to the UI unit 531. Then, the UI unit 531instructs the display unit 112 to display the changeable function dialogbox in accordance with the display instruction.

(Steps S34, S35) If the user presses the installation button on thechangeable function dialog box via the input unit 111, the installationrequest unit 524 of the MFP 10 transmits, to the changeable functionactivation confirmation unit 651, an activation instruction forrequesting an activation of the changeable function of the designatedfirmware. Thus, when the user presses the installation button on thechangeable function dialog box, it becomes clear that the user wants touse the changeable function of the firmware having the function versionconfirmed by the user.

Further, the activation of the changeable function displayed on thechangeable function dialog box by pressing the installation button isnot always required. For example, if the user does not need theactivation of changeable function, the changeable function dialog boxcan be closed by performing a given operation by the user, or the usercan select not to activate the changeable function by operating a cancelbutton or the like. In this case, the processing of steps S35 to S37 isskipped.

(Steps S36, S37) In response receiving the activation instruction, thechangeable function activation confirmation unit 651 confirms that theactivation (enablement) of the changeable function having the functionversion of “V1.1” displayed on the changeable function dialog box isinstructed. Then, the changeable function activation processing unit 652activates (enables) the changeable function to be implemented by thechangeable function 65.

Further, if the entire function enabling setting is turned “ON” on theentire function enabling setting screen 1620 and an existence ofchangeable function not yet activated is confirmed in step S32, theprocessing of steps S33 to S36 can be skipped, and then the changeablefunction activation processing unit 652 activates all of the confirmedchangeable functions in step S37.

The processing of steps S33 to S37 is repeated for the number of thechangeable functions that are confirmed not yet activated in step S32(not only the function version of “V1.1” but also the changeablefunction having the function version older than the function version of“V1.1”).

The firmware installation operation and firmware activation operationcan be performed using the above described sequence of steps S11 to S37.

As to the above described information processing system 1, theinformation processing system 1 displays, to a user, screens displayingthe function of the firmware to be updated for the electronic apparatus(e.g., MFP 10) used by the user, such as the notification dialog box1500, the installation screen 1300, and the changeable function dialogbox 1510, so that the user can recognize each function, such as addablefunction and changeable function. Then, each function can be activatedby receiving an installation (including activation) instruction from theuser on the screen. Thus, the function of the firmware to be updated canbe validated according to a user consent, so that a situation in whichthe function is changed irrespective to the user intention can beprevented.

Further, as to the above described information processing system 1, theautomatic update setting, the automatic activation setting, and theentire function enabling setting can be set. Therefore, depending on ausage style desired by the user, the firmware can be automaticallyupdated, the addable function can be automatically activated when thefirmware is updated, and all of the changeable functions can beautomatically activated when the addable function is activated. As aresult, user convenience can be improved.

Further, as to the above described information processing system 1, theperiod of time displaying the firmware, which is not yet updated oractivated, on the widget 1003 or the notification dialog box 1500 can beset to a fixed period, such as one week. With this configuration, theuser annoyance can be reduced.

As to the above described embodiment of the electronic apparatus,information processing system, and information processing method, thefunction of the firmware to be updated can be validated according to auser consent.

Each of the functions of the above-described embodiments can beimplemented by one or more processing circuits or circuitry. Theprocessing circuitry includes a programmed processor, as a processorincludes circuitry. A processing circuit also includes devices such asan application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signalprocessor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), system on a chip(SOC), graphics processing unit (GPU), and conventional circuitcomponents arranged to perform the recited functions.

In the above-described embodiment, when at least any functional units ofthe MFP 10, the application market server 20, the contract managementserver 30 and the PC 40 are implemented by executing one or moreprograms, the programs are provided in advance by storing the programsin the ROM or the like.

Further, the programs executed by the MFP 10, the application marketserver 20, the contract management server 30 and the PC 40 according tothe above-described embodiment may be configured to be recorded on acomputer-readable recoding medium, such as compact disk read only memory(CD-ROM), flexible disk (FD), compact disk-recordable (CD-R), digitalversatile disc (DVD) or secure digital (SD) card, as files in aninstallable format or executable format.

Further, the programs executed by the MFP 10, the application marketserver 20, the contract management server 30 and the PC 40 according tothe above-described embodiment may be configured to be stored in one ormore computers connected to a network, such as the Internet, anddownloaded via the network.

Further, the programs executed by the MFP 10, the application marketserver 20, the contract management server 30 and the PC 40 according tothe above-described embodiment may be configured to be provided ordistributed over a network, such as the Internet.

Further, the programs executed by the MFP 10, the application marketserver 20, the contract management server 30 and the PC 40 according tothe above-described embodiment can be implemented as one or more modulesincluding at least any of the functional units described above, and asthe actual hardware configuration, the CPU reads and executes theprograms from the above-described storage device or apparatus to loadand implement the above-described functional units on the main storagedevice.

Numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, withinthe scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this specificationcan be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Anyone of the above-described operations may be performed in various otherways, for example, in an order different from the one described above.

Each function of the embodiments described above may be implemented byone or more processing circuits. Each of the functions of theabove-described embodiments can be implemented by one or more processingcircuits or circuitry. Processing circuitry includes a programmedprocessor, as a processor includes circuitry. A processing circuit alsoincludes devices such as an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array(FPGA), system on a chip (SOC), graphics processing unit (GPU), andconventional circuit components arranged to perform the recitedfunctions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus installable with firmware updatable via a network, comprising: an input unit configured to receive an operation performed by a user; and circuitry configured to display, on a display, a first screen for displaying a first function of firmware that can be installed on the electronic apparatus, and a second screen for displaying a second function of the firmware, the second function including a plurality of second functions and the second screen including a plurality of second screens prepared for each one of the plurality of second functions; enable the first function in response to an operation for the first function displayed on the first screen input via the input unit; and enable the second function in response to an operation for the second function displayed on the second screen input via the input unit, wherein the circuitry enables one or more of the second functions selected from the plurality of second functions respectively displayed on the plurality of second screens.
 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the first function has a plurality of first functions, the circuitry enables the plurality of first functions collectively.
 3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first function is a function to be newly added to the electronic apparatus, and the second function is a function of changing the function of the electronic apparatus.
 4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry displays the second screen on the display in response to activating the first function based on an operation performed onto the first screen.
 5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry configured to compare a function version of a designated firmware, designated via the input unit, and a function version corresponding to the maximum function version of the first function activatable using a firmware already installed on the electronic apparatus to determine which function version is greater; wherein the circuitry configured to, in response to the operation performed to the function displayed on the first screen via the input unit and a determination by the circuitry that the function version of the designated firmware is greater than the maximum function version, download the firmware displayed on the first screen from a server and update the firmware in a memory with the downloaded firmware; wherein the circuitry enables the first function of the updated firmware.
 6. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein in response to the operation performed to the function displayed on the first screen via the input unit and a determination by the circuitry that the function version of the designated firmware is equal to or less than the maximum function version, the circuitry enables the first function of the firmware already installed on the electronic apparatus.
 7. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein the circuitry configured to set whether or not to automatically download and update a firmware having a upgraded function when the firmware having the upgraded function is released from the server in response to an operation to the input unit, wherein when an automatic downloading and updating of the firmware having the upgraded function are set by the circuitry and the firmware having the upgraded function is released from the server, the circuitry automatically downloads the firmware having the upgraded function from the server and updates the firmware having the upgraded function in the memory.
 8. The electronic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the circuitry sets whether the first function of the firmware having the upgraded function is to be enabled automatically at a time of installing the firmware having the upgraded function on the electronic apparatus in response to an operation to the input unit, wherein if the circuitry sets that the first function of the firmware having the upgraded function is to be enabled automatically at the time of installing the firmware having the upgraded function on the electronic apparatus, the circuitry automatically enables the first function of the firmware having the upgraded function when the firmware having the upgraded function is installed on the electronic apparatus.
 9. The electronic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the circuitry sets whether the one or more second functions of the firmware is to be enabled automatically at a time of enabling the first function of the firmware installed on the electronic apparatus in response to an operation to the input unit, the one or more second functions not causing an effect to an operability of the electronic apparatus being different from the first function, wherein if the circuitry sets that the one or more second functions of the firmware is to be enabled automatically at the time of enabling the first function of the firmware installed on the electronic apparatus, the circuitry automatically enables the one or more second functions of the firmware when the firmware installed on the electronic apparatus is enabled.
 10. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein the circuitry stores the firmware downloaded from the server in a non-operation region of the memory, wherein the circuitry configured to, when the electronic apparatus is booted or rebooted, transfer the firmware stored in the non-operation region by the circuitry to an in-operation region of the memory, and execute the firmware stored in the in-operation region.
 11. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry displays the first screen of the firmware on the display for a given period of time starting from a time of releasing a firmware installable on the electronic apparatus.
 12. An information processing system comprising: a server; and an electronic apparatus connectable with the server via a network, the electronic apparatus installable with firmware updatable via the network, wherein the server includes a memory configured to store one or more firmwares to be supplied to the electronic apparatus; and circuitry configured to transmit information of a first screen or information of a second screen for displaying one or more firmwares installable on the electronic apparatus, the first screen or the second screen is to be displayed on a display, wherein the electronic apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive an operation performed by a user; another circuitry configured to display, on the display, the first screen for displaying a first function of firmware that can be installed on the electronic apparatus, and the second screen for displaying a second function of the firmware, the second function including a plurality of second functions and the second screen including a plurality of second screens prepared for each one of the plurality of second functions; enable the first function in response to an operation for the first function displayed on the first screen input via the input unit; and enable the second function in response to an operation for the second function displayed on the second screen input via the input unit, wherein the another circuitry enables one or more of the second functions selected from the plurality of second functions respectively displayed on the plurality of second screens.
 13. A method of processing information for updating a firmware of an electronic apparatus via a network, the method comprising: receiving an operation performed by a user; displaying, on a display, a first screen for displaying a first function of firmware that can be installed on the electronic apparatus, and a second screen for displaying a second function of the firmware, the second function including a plurality of second functions and the second screen including a plurality of second screens prepared for each one of the plurality of second functions; enabling the first function in response to an operation for the first function displayed on the first screen; and enabling the second function in response to an operation for the second function displayed on the second screen, wherein the enabling enables one or more of the second functions selected from the plurality of second functions respectively displayed on the plurality of second screens. 